Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Getting around
Local costs

Taiwan travel guide

Taiwan Tourism | Taiwan Guide

You're Going to Love Taiwan

A bustling island of activity and vibrant culture, Taiwan has something to offer every traveler. Enjoy breathtaking coastal landscapes during the day and lively markets serving noodle soups and fish delicacies in the evening.

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Locals are friendly and welcoming, and open to sharing traditional customs with tourists. There is also a diverse mix of religions, including Buddhism and Catholicism, with mesmerizing temples such as the Chung Tai Chan Monastery.

What to do in Taiwan

1. Eat Until Your Heart's Content

Food is a central theme in Taiwanese culture and the abundance of fresh vegetable and fruits will astound you. Night markets specialize in soup dumplings, fish cakes, deep-fried chicken, oyster omelets, and bubble tea.

2. Soak Up the Sun and Relax on the Beach

Thanks to a vast coastline that stretches around the island, you can enjoy an unbelievable spread of sandy beaches with scuba diving and water sport activities.

3. Climb to the Peak of Jade Mountain

Scale the highest point in Taiwan and take in breathtaking panoramic views across the Yushan National Park.

4. Take Some Quiet Reflection in a Temple

There are more than 15,000 temples to be discovered and each provides a unique experience. Some of the most sacred include Thean Hou, Mengjia Longshan, Baoan, and Qingshan.

5. Learn about Indigenous Cultures

Taiwanese indigenous settlers arrived more than 6,000 years ago and have established a range of traditions revolving around music, dance, and language. Interactive tours to villages are possible as well as dedicated restaurants.

1. Eat Until Your Heart's Content

Food is a central theme in Taiwanese culture and the abundance of fresh vegetable and fruits will astound you. Night markets specialize in soup dumplings, fish cakes, deep-fried chicken, oyster omelets, and bubble tea.

2. Soak Up the Sun and Relax on the Beach

Thanks to a vast coastline that stretches around the island, you can enjoy an unbelievable spread of sandy beaches with scuba diving and water sport activities.

3. Climb to the Peak of Jade Mountain

Scale the highest point in Taiwan and take in breathtaking panoramic views across the Yushan National Park.

4. Take Some Quiet Reflection in a Temple

There are more than 15,000 temples to be discovered and each provides a unique experience. Some of the most sacred include Thean Hou, Mengjia Longshan, Baoan, and Qingshan.

5. Learn about Indigenous Cultures

Taiwanese indigenous settlers arrived more than 6,000 years ago and have established a range of traditions revolving around music, dance, and language. Interactive tours to villages are possible as well as dedicated restaurants.

When to visit Taiwan

Taiwan in October
Estimated hotel price
S$ 139
1 night at 3-star hotel
Taiwan in October
Estimated hotel price
S$ 139
1 night at 3-star hotel

Due to its subtropical climate and humid summers, the most pleasant time of the year to travel is in winter and autumn between October and February.

How to Get to Taiwan

Entry requirements

Citizens from many countries across the globe can visit without visas and stay for up to 90 days. Visas are required for certain nationalities, such as Turkey and Macedonia, and can be acquired upon landing.

Plane

Flights are available to a range of airports across the island. However, the majority of services are scheduled to Taiwan Taiyuan International Airport, which is about 40min from Taipei.

Boat

It is possible to travel from the mainland China city of Fuzhou via a ferry to Matsu and then another ferry to Keelung City in the north of Taiwan. The combined boat fares cost approximately NT$2,350 ($77) and take a full day of commuting.

Entry requirements

Citizens from many countries across the globe can visit without visas and stay for up to 90 days. Visas are required for certain nationalities, such as Turkey and Macedonia, and can be acquired upon landing.

Plane

Flights are available to a range of airports across the island. However, the majority of services are scheduled to Taiwan Taiyuan International Airport, which is about 40min from Taipei.

Boat

It is possible to travel from the mainland China city of Fuzhou via a ferry to Matsu and then another ferry to Keelung City in the north of Taiwan. The combined boat fares cost approximately NT$2,350 ($77) and take a full day of commuting.

Popular airports in Taiwan

HUNHualien City
LZNNangan Township Matsu Nangan
TSATaipei City Sung Shan
GNILudao Green Island
KNHJinhu Township Kinmen
TPETaipei City Taiwan Taoyuan Intl
KHHKaohsiung City
MFKBeigan Township Matsu Beigan
TNNTainan City
TTTTaitung City
RMQTaichung City ChingChuanKang
KYDLanyu Orchid Island
MZGMagong City Makung
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Popular airlines serving Taiwan

KLM
Good (1,470 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,846 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,285 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,256 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,421 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,544 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,541 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,712 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,800 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,426 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,183 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,203 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,475 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (198 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (294 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (1,167 reviews)
Thai Airways
Good (392 reviews)
Air China
Good (141 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,128 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,498 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Taiwan

Where to stay in Taiwan

Budget-conscious tourists can find hostels in major cities, such as Taipei and Taichung, while lavish hotels feature both Western chains and domestic enterprises. If you're feeling fancy, book a room with a private jet tub as these are commonly found in hotels and motels.

Where to stay in popular areas of Taiwan

Most booked hotels in Taiwan

See all
Kindness Hotel - Hualien Main Station Branch
3 stars
Excellent (9.3, Excellent reviews)
S$ 93+
View
Hotel Cham Cham - Taipei
4 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 99+
View
Kung Shang Design Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 58+
View
Evergreen Laurel Hotel - Taichung
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 103+
View
Royal Chiayi Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 87+
View
Yang Ming Shan Tien Lai Resort & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
S$ 237+
View

How to Get Around Taiwan

Public Transportation

The cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung have comprehensive, reliable metro systems whereas other metropolises predominantly operate with buses. A one-way metro ticket costs approximately NT$20 ($1).

Trains

A high-speed rail service known as THSR connects destinations from north to south. Reserved seat tickets are available for longer journeys with fares available in both Economy and Business Class.

Bus

Intercity routes are common and usually provide cheaper transport than trains. Local buses can be caught across town, though English signage is uncommon and you must be careful when boarding on busy roads.

Car

You must present an international driving license to rent a car. There is an expansive freeway network throughout the island, with odd-numbered freeways being tolled.

Plane

There are more than 15 domestic airports across Taiwan and traveling by plane is the most practical option for reaching smaller islands, such as Kinmen and Matsu. Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air operate the majority of domestic services.

Public Transportation

The cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung have comprehensive, reliable metro systems whereas other metropolises predominantly operate with buses. A one-way metro ticket costs approximately NT$20 ($1).

Trains

A high-speed rail service known as THSR connects destinations from north to south. Reserved seat tickets are available for longer journeys with fares available in both Economy and Business Class.

Bus

Intercity routes are common and usually provide cheaper transport than trains. Local buses can be caught across town, though English signage is uncommon and you must be careful when boarding on busy roads.

Car

You must present an international driving license to rent a car. There is an expansive freeway network throughout the island, with odd-numbered freeways being tolled.

Plane

There are more than 15 domestic airports across Taiwan and traveling by plane is the most practical option for reaching smaller islands, such as Kinmen and Matsu. Mandarin Airlines and UNI Air operate the majority of domestic services.

Best car hire deals in Taiwan

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

S$ 47/day

Compact

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

S$ 79/day

Compact
Find car hire in Taiwan

The Cost of Living in Taiwan

Markets and street stalls offer tasty meals at cheap prices, ranging from between NT$50-150 ($1.60-4.90). A meal at a cheap restaurant will cost around NT$100 ($3.30), but a more expensive restaurant will be around NT$700 ($22) for two people. A 0.2 gallon of milk and a dozen eggs cost approximately NT$150 ($4.90). The economy functions predominantly on cash, though credit cards are accepted in upmarket restaurants and hotels. Take enough money in the local currency, as ATMs aren't so readily available.

Everything you need to know for your stay in Taiwan